Victims express anger over Biden’s clemency for a judge and embezzler
Pennsylvania: People are really upset after President Biden decided to grant clemency to some pretty notorious figures. It’s a big deal, especially for those affected by their actions.
Biden announced he’d be commuting the sentences of 1,500 convicts, saying they deserve a second chance. But this comes right after he pardoned his son, Hunter, which didn’t sit well with many.
Among those getting clemency is a former judge from Pennsylvania involved in the “kids-for-cash” scandal and an embezzler from Illinois. They won’t be heading back to prison since they were already under house arrest, but now they can roam free without any electronic monitoring.
The White House claims these individuals weren’t picked out specifically but met certain criteria for release, like good behavior while under house arrest. Still, it’s hard for many to swallow.
This judge, Michael Conahan, was convicted back in 2011 for sending kids to detention centers in exchange for kickbacks. It was a huge scandal, and many of those kids faced serious trauma, with some not making it through.
One mother, Sandy Fonzo, whose son took his own life after being locked up, expressed her heartbreak over Biden’s decision. She feels it’s a slap in the face to all the families still suffering from the fallout.
Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro also voiced his disappointment, saying Biden got it wrong and caused more pain in the community.
In Illinois, people are just as frustrated. Rita Crundwell, who embezzled $54 million, is also getting clemency. The city manager of Dixon felt betrayed by the whole situation.
